-' 


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University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


THE  PETER  AND  ROSELL  HARVEY 
MEMORIAL  FUND 


THE 

OVERLAND    ROUTE 


TO 


CALIFORNIA, 


AND  OTHER  POEMS, 


BY   JOHN   WARD. 


NEW  YORK. 


1874. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1874,  by 

JOHN  WARD,  NEW  YORK, 
in  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


Press  of  K.  Tompkins. 


TO 

MY  COMPANIONS 

ON    THE 

OVERLAND     ROUTE. 

A    SOUVENIR 

OF 
A    PLEASANT    JOURNEY. 


CONTENTS. 

The  Overland  Route,       ...... 

The  Journey,       -  y 

California,     -  -             _             _       T  y 

The  Return,  -             .                          33 

The  Undine,  -             _             -       43 

Lady  Grace's  Bridal,  -                          ^0 

The  Storm  King,  -                          -       63 

Idyls  of  Niagara,        -  - 

The  Cave  of  the  Winds,       -  -                          -69 

A  view  from  the  "Maid  of  the  Mist,"  -                           -71 

The  Lunar  Rainbow,                          ,  -       73 

The  Clock  Tower,  Venice,      -  75 

After  the  Wreck,                                         .  .             .             -       79 

A  Pastoral,     -  81 

Lady  Belle,  .       86 

The  Water  Fay,          .....  89 

The  Exile,  .             -     102 

Our  Captain's  Orders,  .             .           I04 

Buonarotti's  Dome,                        -             -  .             .             -     106 

Mirrored  Clouds,  .           I0y 

The  Coronation  of  the  Czar,        -  -             -             -     109 

Lookout  Mountain,     -  .                                      II9 

The  Taking  of  New  Orleans,                    -  .             .             -121 

New  York,      -                          ....  I24 


THE   OVERLAND   ROUTE. 


THE   JOURNEY. 


We  are  gliding  swift  away  to  the  grand  Pacific  shore ; 

And  the  prairies  stretch  afar  their  boundless  sweep ; 
Mississippi's  mighty  tide,  and  a  hundred  rivers  more, 

Watch  our  course  to  yonder  Rocky-Mountain  steep. 


II. 

Council  Bluffs  in  beauty  rise  by  the  dark  Missouri's  wave  ; 

There  Omaha  springs  up  on  stately  hill ; 
Fair  Nebraska  stretches  wild,  where  so  late  the  Indian  brave 

Shot  the  bison,  quaffed  the  prairie's  sparkling  rill. 

7 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 


III. 


The  bluffs  are  left  behind,  and  the  Platte's  unbending  flow 
Bounds  the  verdant  plain's  expanse  of  virgin  mould ; 

Where  alone  the  cotton  tree  skirts  the  river's  current  free ; 
And  of  yore,  untamed,  the  prairie  fires  rolled. 


The  sunset  fires  the  sky  with  a  glow  of  golden  haze, 
And  horsemen  drive  the  wandering  cattle  home  ; 

While  Pawnees  gather  round,  wondering  still  in  dull  amaze, 
As  the  train  invades  the  regions  where  they  roam. 


v. 


When  the  morning  light  returns,  with  the  cooling,  western  breeze. 

The  prairie-dogs  leap  up  on  many  a  mound ; 
The  antelope  comes  swift  o'er  the  plain  unknown  to  trees, 

Where  soldiers  guard  the  Indians'  hunting-ground. 


THE   JOURNEY. 


VI. 


That  range  of  rounding  hills  marks  the  nearing  mountain-gate ; 

But  we  miss  the  shaggy  herds  of  grazing  kine : 
Where  countless  thousands  roamed,  came  the  tireless  hand  of  Fate ; 

And  Indians  for  the  chase  in  vain  repine ! 


VII. 


Yonder  rise  the  giant  peaks  of  the  Colorado  chain  ! 

Alp  on  Alp  enwrapped  in  robes  of  snowy  white, 
With  majestic  mien  and  glance,  pointing,  o'er  the  rolling  plain, 

To  the  calm  that  reigns  in  skies  supremely  bright ! 


VIII. 


The  mountain  breezes  sweep  through  the  valleys  as  we  rise, 
And  the  prairie  yields  to  hills  and  quiet  vales ; 

Where  the  bison  gallops  slow,  or,  in  terror,  northward  flies 
To  the  calm  retreats  of  wild,  secluded  dales. 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 


IX. 


We  scale  a  towering  range  of  the  Kocky-Mountain  heights, 
With  a  slow,  increasing  rise  from  mile  to  mile ; 

The  lingering  snows  attest  how  we  soar  with  eagle  nights, 
Till  on  yonder  lofty  crest  we  pause  awhile. 


Onward !  down  the  giddy  steep,  with  a  curving,  gradual  sweep, 
Through  the  ruddy  granite  portals,  on  we  glide ; 

While  the  Northern,  snowy  peaks,  as  we  near  the  Western  deep, 
Tell  the  grand  Sierras  whither  swift  we  ride. 


XL 

The  cool  Nebraska  winds  to  the  far  Sweet  Water  land  ; 

We  watch  its  current's  clear  and  tranquil  flow ; 
Yon  mounds  resemble  walls  built  to  guard  a  warrior  band ; 

And  purple  mountains  catch  the  sunset  glow. 

10 


THE   JOURNEY. 


XII. 


Herds  of  antelopes  speed  on,  as  the  day  draws  near  its  close, 
And  the  prairie-wolf  surveys  the  rolling  train  ; 

Till  a  shower  of  golden  light  glows  above  the  distant  snows, 
And  the  evening's  silvery  cressets  gleam  again. 


XIII. 


Rising  over  many  a  height,  when  the  early  morning  light 
"Wakes  thought  again  from  dreaming  fancy's  chain, 

By  the  Uintah  range  we  go,  crowned  with  shining  crests  of  snow, 
And  pass  the  wilds  of  many  a  desert  plain. 


XIV. 


Yon  dark  Shoshonee  braves,  on  the  war-path,  seek  the  Snakes ; 

Their  children  watch  the  train  with  curious  eyes : 
While  noble  Washakie  stands  a  chieftain,  proud  and  free ; 

And  the  mounted  squaw  supports  her  infant  prize. 

11 


THE    OVERLAND   ROUTE. 


XV. 


Amid  the  native  tribes,  gaze  the  children  of  the  Sun, 
The  almond-eyed  Mongolians'  patient  race  : 

They  laid  the  iron  rail ;  built  the  bridges  one  by  one  ; 
But  long  their  homeward  footsteps  to  retrace. 


XVI. 


Here  the  Mormon  leader  stood,  on  that  rocky  pulpit's  stair, 
And  preached  to  faithful  multitudes  below  ; 

Where  Echo  Canon's  weird,  fantastic  cliffs  breathe  in  the  air 
That  sweeps  from  yonder  pinnacles  of  snow. 

XVII. 

Down  the  Weber  Canon's  bends  ;  by  its  river's  rapid  tide  ; 

To  the  beauteous  vale  below,  we  swiftly  speed ; 
Where  verdant  hills  uprise  to  the  rugged  mountain's  side, 

And  many  a  rill  divides  the  grassy  mead. 

12 


THE   JOURNEY. 


XVIII. 


By  the  long  and  snowy  range  ;  o'er  the  Weber's  quickening  stream  ; 

Near  the  Devil's  Slide, — a  rocky  feature  grand  ; — 
Down  to  smiling  plains  beneath,  where  the  Mormon's  active  dream 

Turns  the  desert  to  a  lovely,  fertile  land. 


XIX. 


The  sun  pours  burning  down  on  a  thriving,  pleasant  town, 
Where  Ogden's  paths  of  virgin  commerce  meet : 

Sentry  summits  proudly  stand,  circling  round  this  favored  land, 
And  clearest  air  brings  near  their  rocky  feet. 


xx. 


From  yon  oil  spring's  bubbling  flow,  to  the  inland  sea  we  haste, 
Where  the  salt-breeze  wafts  the  duck  and  curlew's  flight : 

Like  snow-fields  stretch  the  plains,  where  the  lake  has  left  the  waste  ; 
And  the  mountain  chain  shades  dark  the  Sabbath  night 

13 


THE    OVEKLAND    KOUTE. 


XXI. 


O'er  Nevada's  arid  plain,  in  a  misty,  driving  rain, 

With  the  morning  light,  we  swiftly  speed  our  course ; 

While  the  merry  gnomes  below  veil  their  treasures  with  the  snow, 
Where  golden  veins  wind  round  their  mountain  source. 


XXII. 


Again  the  radiant  sun  blazes  o'er  the  waste  amain, 

And  the  breeze,  as  though  impelled  by  Afrite's  power, 

Blows  the  desert  dust  in  clouds  o'er  the  wild,  uncanny  plain, 
Where  rugged  hills  in  sullen  masses  tower. 

XXIII. 

The  crimson  streamers  gleam,  as  the  day  fades  like  a  dream, 
And  night's  dark  shadows  dim  the  twilight's  peace  ; 

Then  comes  a  cooling  air  from  the  western  regions  fair, 
Where  grand  Sierras  rise,  and  deserts  cease. 

14 


THE   JOUKNEY. 


XXIV. 


With  the 'early  steps  of  day,  by  an  endless,  covered  way, 

O'er  high  Sierra's  forest  slope  we  go  ; 
Through  countless  rifts,  the  light  gleams  like  rockets  in  the  night, 

And  morning  beams  illume  the  shining  snow. 


XXV. 


Have  the  Titans  reared  this  ledge  ?  and  have  fairies  set  that  hedge, 

Amid  the  Ice  King's  realms  of  endless  cold  ? 
Look  adown  this  fearful  steep,  where  the  rapid  torrents  leap, 

Bearing  on  to  distant  valleys  flakes  of  gold ! 


XXVI. 


California's  wondrous  mines  lie  amid  these  groves  of  pines, 
Where  world -famed  treasures  slept  in  days  of  yore ; 

Yonder  scaured  and  crumbling  stone  may  have  heard  the  miner  groan, 
Or  roused  his  shout  when  gleamed  the  shining  ore  I 


THE    OVERLAND    KOUTE. 
XXVII. 

Sacramento's  waving  sheaves,  where  the  fig-tree's  sombre  leaves, 

Amid  the  oak-trees,  catch  the  passer's  eye, 
With  fertile  fields  and  plains,  all  declare  that  Freedom  reigns 

Beneath  yon  snowy  peaks,  that  cloud  the  sky. 

XXVIII. 

Like  the  vastness  of  the  deep,  the  wheatfields'  ripening  sweep 
Stretches  wide,  as  rippling  breezes  bow  the  grain ; 

While  the  stately  live-oaks  rise,  as  if  grouped  by  artists  wise, 
Where  circling  sails  draw  moisture  to  the  plain. 


XXIX. 

By  foaming  rivers  wide,  where  the  snows  have  swelled  the  tide, 

Across  the  Coast  Sierra's  mountain-way ; 
We  scent  the  ocean  breeze  from  the  ever-nearing  seas, 

Till  San  Francisco's  lights  shine  o'er  the  bay ! 

16 


THE    OVERLAND   ROUTE. 


CALIFORNIA. 


Beneath  a  mountain's  towering  steep, 

A  mighty  ocean  rolls ; 
Awakening,  with  the  boundless  sweep 
And  echoing  thunders  of  its  deep, 

Bright  visions  in  our  souls ! 


II. 

The  great  sea-lions  sportive  play, 

Amid  the  eddying  foam  ; 
With  bellowing  roar  they  cleave  the  spray, 
Or  bask  in  sunshine  all  the  day, 

Around  their  rocky  home. 

17 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 
III. 

'T  is  not  the  dark  Atlantic's  wave 

That  crests  the  craggy  shore, 
Where  giant  breakers  foaming  rave, 
And  naught  yon  hapless  bark  could  save, 

Amid  their  awful  roar  ! 

IV. 

Is  this  the  sea  for  calmness  famed, 

Pacific's  tranquil  main  ? 
These  glorious  waves  were  never  tamed, 
And  falsely  is  the  ocean  named, 

That  breasts  yon  sandy  plain  ! 

V. 

But  awful  grandeur  all  is  thine, 

Majestic,  western  sea ! 
Whose  whitening  breakers  frost  the  brine 
In  rolling  sweep  and  endless  line, 

Of  wild  sublimity  ! — 

18 


CALIFOKNIA. 
VI. 

Then  view,  as  sinks  the  sun  to  rest, 

A  valley,  grand  and  wild  ; 
Where  Nature  seems  to  strive  her  best 
To  crown  the  fair  Pacific  west, 

As  though  her  favorite  child  ! 

VII. 

Yosernite  in  splendor  sleeps, 

With  leafy  groves  and  bowers ; 
While,  from  the  lofty,  rocky  steeps, 
The  cataracts,  in  mighty  leaps, 
Sweep  down  to  vales  of  flowers. 

VIII. 

'T  is  Eden,  given  back  to  earth, 

In  beauty  all  its  own  ! 
Too. fair  for  aught  of  mortal  birth; 
Too  solemn  for  a  mortal's  mirth ; 

The  gem  of  -  our  fair  zone  1 

19 


THE   OVEKLAND   KOUTE. 
IX. 

Its  towering  cliffs  and  verdant  meads 

Are  domed  by  azure  skies, 
That  smile  as  though  Arcadian  reeds 
Were  piped  around,  and  warlike  deeds 

Had  ne'er  sought  valor's  prize. 


The  rocky  shaft  El  Capitan 

Shoots  up  beside  the  vale, 
In  startling  grandeur  ;  daring  man 
To  climb  where  never  mortal  can, 

And  braving  every  gale ! 

XI. 

The  waving  spray,  from  falls  too  high 

For  aught  but  eagles'  flight, 
Sends  misty  showers,  as  from  the  sky, 
While  rainbow-tints  in  radiance  vie, 
Beneath  yon  lofty  height. 

20 


CALIFORNIA. 

XII. 

Sublimity  of  rock  and  fall, 
With  towering,  granite  peaks, 

Enchased  in  bowers  and  forests  tall ; 

Fair  valley,  't  is  enchantment  all 
That  from  thy  beauty  speaks  ! 

XIII. 

Colossal  columns  mount  supreme, 

As  though  the  Genii's  might 
Had  reared  a  temple ;  that  would  seem 
A  wonderful,  immortal  dream 
Of  brilliant  realms  of  light ! 

XIV. 

Here,  Titan  brothers  three  arise, 
In  crests  of  diamond  form ; 

There,  swift  as  meteor  from  the  skies, 

A  cataract,  in  silvery  guise, 
Eesounds  like  coming  storm  ! 

21 


THE    OVEKLAND    KOUTE. 
XV. 

These  massive  crags  were  rent,  perchance, 

By  fierce,  volcanic  fires, 
In  early  years  of  Time's  advance ; 
Till  Heaven's  frosts  and  sunbeam-glance 

Have  shaped  cathedral  spires. 

XVI. 

Yon  domes  of  granite,  parted  now, 

A  solemn,  stately  pair, 
May  once  have  touched,  with  lordly  brow  ; 
Where  glades  extend  with  verdant  bough, 

Kissed  by  the  summer  air ! 

XVII. 

The  mountains  watch  the  clear  Merced, 

That  mirrors  glories  rare, 
As,  lifting  high  each  sovereign  head, 
These  rocky  marvels  rise  to  wed 

The  tempest  in  its  lair! 


CALIFORNIA. 
XVIII. 

But  climb,  by  yonder  sister  falls, 

To  dizzy  crests  of  "snow  ; 
Where  all  that  tranquil  souls  appals 
Sublimely  reigns,  in  Terror's  halls, 

While  danger  lurks  below  ! 

XIX. 

In  mighty  curves,  the  snowy  peaks 
Sweep  round  our  vantage-place  ; 
Where  clouds  may  rest,  in  summer  weeks, 
On  craggy  heights ;  and  thunder  speaks, 
When  Nature  veils  her  face ! 

XX. 

From  heights  like  these,  defying  time, 

And  crowned  with  frosty  wreath, 
That  valley  grand,  of  genial  clime, 
A  chasm  seems  in  crags  sublime, 
Whose  domes  rise  far  beneath. 


THE    OVERLAND   ROUTE. 
XXI. 

0  grand  Sierra  !   Alpine  crests, 

And  wondrous  vales  below, 
Are  what  fair  Nature's  pilgrim  guests, 
With  beating  hearts  and  heaving  breasts, 

Behold  amid  thy  snow ! 

XXII. 

That  deep,  precipitous  abyss, 

With  waving  forests  clad, 
Leads  down  to  fairy  bowers  of  bliss, 
More  beauteous,  far,  than  scenes  like  this, 

Where  Nature  scarce  seems  glad  1 

XXIII. 

The  Merced  leaps  with  thundering  roar, 
And  clouds  of  dazzling  spray, 

By  Broderick's  summit,  bleak  and  hoar ; 

Then  dashes  o'er  yon  rocky  floor, 
To  blooming  vales  away  ; 

24 


CALIFOKNIA. 
XXIV. 

Till,  rainbow-wreathed,  the  river  falls, 

A  sheet  of  sparkling  foam, 
In  glorious  plunge  from  rocky  walls ; 
While  every  mighty  cliff  recalls 

s 

Her  rapids'  mountain  home. 

xxv. 

But  with  a  gentler  flow  she  pours 

Amid  the  oak-trees  green  ; 
Where  many  a  pine  majestic  soars, 
As  if  't  would  rise  to  Heavenly  doors, 

The  stately  groves  between. 

XXVI. 

Then  turn  we  to  thy  lovely  glades, 

Yosemite,  the  fair ! 
Whose  glossy  foliage  never  fades, 
Though  storms  may  sweep  from  mountain  shades, 

And  floods  may  cloud  the  air. 

25 


THE   OVEKLAND   KOUTE. 
XXVII. 

0  awful  summits,  rising  high 
From  out  this  charming  scene, 

In  giant  grandeur  toward  the  sky  I 

Your  massive,  Alpine  majesty 
Is  of  celestial  mien  ! 

XXVIII. 

Like  seraph  guards,  your  glittering  walls 

Surround  this  wondrous  vale, 
In  stately  towers  and  caverned  halls, 
And  rocks  that,  'mid  the  water-falls, 
Seem  crests  and  coats  of  mail ! 

XXIX. 

Majestic  guardians,  vast  and  grand  ! 

Your  panoplied  array 
Protects  a  wild,  mysterious  land, 
Where  verdure  decks  the  glistening  sand, 

And  rushing  rivers  play. 

26 


CALIFORNIA. 
XXX. 

Sublimity  and  beauty  fair 

Were  never  so  combined, 
Since  first  the  ambient,  summer  air, 
In  Eden,  fanned  the  primal  pair, 

For  Paradise  designed  !— 

XXXI. 

Through  stately  groves  of  towering  pines  ; 

By  canons,  deep  and  green  ; 
O'er  dreary  plains, — at  length  the  signs 
Of  delving  deep  for  golden  mines, 

'Mid  rugged  rocks,  are  seen. 

XXXII. 

What  powers  have  rent  the  earth  in  twain  ? 

What  fissures  scar  the  ground  ! 
Misshapen  rocks  deform  the  plain, 
As  though  the  enchantress  Circe's  reign 

Had  modern  victims  found  ! 

27 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 
XXXIII. 

But  yonder  towers  a  mighty  grove 

Of  forest  columns  high, 
Where  giants  might  delight  to  rove, 
Or  find,  if  with  great  Jove  they  strove, 

Brave  arms  to  dare  the  sky  ! 

xxxiv. 

Along  a  purling  streamlet's  course, 

Between  encircling  hills, 
These  wondrous  trees  have  braved  the  force 
Of  Time,  whose  stroke,  without  remorse, 

Their  stateliest  rival  kills. 

XXXV. 

Majestic  monarchs  of  the  soil, 

Of  matchless  height  and  girth  ! 
Aspiring  man's  unceasing  toil 
The  centuries  have  learned  to  foil, 
While  still  ye  grace  the  earth ! 


CALIFOKNIA. 
XXXVI. 

In  stalwart  hundreds  grouped,  ye  stand, 

With  lordly  bouglj  and  limb ; 
As  yet  preserved  from  ruffian  hand, 
Like  Lebanon's  fair  cedars  grand, 
Ye  breathe  a  silent  hymn  ! 

XXXVII. 

While,  loftier  than  the  carven  spire, 
Your  shafts  mount  up  in  power, 

With  densest  bark,  scarce  touched  by  fire ; 

Ye  stand  the  oldest  living  choir, 
That  greets  this  gracious  hour  !— 

XXXVIII. 

Again  we  view  the  busy  scene, 

So  near  the  Golden  Gate, 
Where  California's  Ocean  Queen 
Superbly  reigns,  with  haughty  mien, 

And  knows  no  fear  of  Fate. 


THE    OVERLAND   ROUTE. 
XXXIX. 

The  treasures  of  the  East  and  West 

Adorn  the  princely  town  ; 
Where  generous  feeling  shows  its  best, 
And  cooling  breezes  soothe  to  rest 

The  sharpest  cynic's  frown. 

XL. 

The  mighty  bay,  where  fleets  may  ride, 

With  countless  masts,  secure, 
Admits  the  vast  Pacific's  tide 
Through  mountain  portals,  deep  and  wide, 

By  frowning  guns  made  sure. 

XLI. 

Beyond  the  wondrous  Grolden  Gate 

Are  vales  of  softer  skies  ; 
There  Tamalpais  rears  in  state 
Its  rocky  crest,  while  gales  abate 

Their  sweep,  and  zephyrs  rise. 

30 


CALIFOKNIA. 
XLII. 

San  Eafael's  clustering  villas  lie 

Amid  the  circling  hills, 
Where  ranches  reach  the  mountains  high, 
While  over  all,  in  majesty, 

Yon  cone  the  fancy  fills. 

XLIII. 

A  watch-tower  of  the  skies  it  seems, 

A  royal  signal  height, 
To  catch  the  morning's  earliest  beams, 
And  send  them  to  the  dancing  streams, 

That  hail  the  dawning  light ! 

XLIV. 

The  groves  on  its  volcanic  side, 

Like  velvet's  softest  pile, 
In  emerald  verdure  serve  to  hide 
Where  once  has  flowed  the  fiery  tide, 

Perchance,  for  many  a  mile. 

31 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 
XLV. 

Again,  across  the  noble  bay, 

To  San  Francisco's  heights  ; 
Where  Chinese  costumes,  quaint  and  gay, 
As  though  in  Prince  Aladdin's  day, 

Eecall  Arabian  Nights. 

XLVL 

Or  view  them  on  the  mimic  stage, 

Fantastic  as  a  dream, 
While  courts  are  held,  and  battles  rage, 
And  emperors,  of  a  by -gone  age, 

By  rebels  vanquished  seem. 

XLVII. 

Imperial  Pacific  shore, 

What  glorious  future  thine ! 
Atlantic  empires'  priceless  lore, 
With  Chinese  learning's  ancient  store, 

All  crown  thy  work  divine ! 

32 


THE  OVEKLAND  KOUTE. 


THE  EETUEN. 


To  Sacramento's  strong  levees, 

The  bulwark  of  her  pride, 
We  swiftly  speed,  where  foaming  seas 
Have  madly  dashed  among  the  trees, 
*  From  yonder  river's  tide. 


II. 


Again  the  grand  Sierras  rise, 

As  o'er  the  heights  we  glide, 
While  soon,  behind  us,  rending  skies 
Will  whelm  the  road  in  torrent's  guise, , 
Till  havoc  rages  wide. 


THE    OVERLAND    ROUTE. 
III. 

Across  the  endless  desert  plain, 

We  near  the  inland  sea, 
Whose  islands  sweep  in  mountain-chain, 
Along  the  salt  waves  of  its  main, 

A  stately  company. 

IV. 

The  Mormon  city  stretches  fail- 
On  plains  beyond  the  lake, 
That,  rising  slow,  may  bid  it  share 
The  fate  Lot's  city  seemed  to  dare,          ^ 
If  vengeance  should  awake. 

v. 

From  Utah  lake,  the  Jordan  clear, 

In  fresh,  delightful  stream, 
Pours  down  to  swell  yon  bitter  mere, 
e  lifeless  waves  are  never  drear, 

So  brightly  blue  they  seem. 

34 


THE    RETURN. 

VI. 

The  Wasatch  Kange  and  Oquirrh  Hills 

Surround  the  fertile  fields, 
Where  sparkle  countless,  merry  rills, 
Whose  current  yonder  city  fills 

With  trees  its  soil  ne'er  yields. 

VII. 

That  range  of  snowy  mountains  grand, 

Magnificent  in  sweep, 
Is  rich  with  mines,  where  Nature's  hand 
Has  hidden,  in  the  rock  and  sand, 

Her  silvery  treasures  deep. 

VIII. 

On  frowning  heights,  the  Federal  guns 

Command  the  sullen  town  ; 
The  white  tents  gleam,  as  setting  suns, 
Like  molten  gold  that  glittering  runs, 

'Mid  gorgeous  clouds  sink  down. 

35 


THE   OVERLAND   EOUTE. 
IX. 

A  meteor  flashes  through  the  air, 
With  emerald  light  and  glow  ; 
Now  fading,  now  with  dazzling  glare, 
It  gleams  across  the  twilight  fair, 
By  yonder  peaks  of  snow. 

x. 

From  smiling  fields,  and  salt  morass, 

We  thread  the  canons  steep  ; 
While  soon,  o'er  many  a  mountain  pass, 
And  plains  of  sage,  we  reach  the  grass, 
Where  deer  may  browse  and  leap. 

XL 

At  wild  Cheyenne,  a  swarthy  band 

Of  warriors  mount  the  train, 
To  view  their  great  White  Father's  land, 
And  tread  the  far  Atlantic  strand 

In  painted  pomp,  again. 


THE   RETURN. 
XII. 

Missouri's  current,  dark  and  swift, 
Where  down  the  mighty  stream, 
By  verdant  bluffs,  with  busy  thrift, 
The  boats  are  swept  in  arrowy  drift, 

V 

Is  soon  a  treasured  dream. 

XIII. 

O'er  Iowa's  attractive  meads, 

We  reach  a  river  wide  ; 
Proud  Mississippi  grandly  speeds 
'Mid  pleasant  isles,  nor,  foaming,  heeds 

The  piers  that  stem  her  tide. 

XIV. 

Through  endless  prairie  corn-fields  green, 

A  city  looms  afar, 
Up-springing  with  undaunted  mien, 
Her  miles  of  ruin  all  between, 

A  radiant,  Western  star ! 

37 


THE   OVERLAND   EOUTE. 
XV. 

What  groans  of  anguish,  echoed  late, 

When  strong  men,  in  despair, 
Beheld  the  pride  of  earthly  state, 
With  all  that  made  their  city  great, 
Flame  in  the  fiery  air  ! 

XVI. 

Then,  domes  and  towers,  rocking  slow, 
Were  wrapped  in  seas  of  fire  ; 

Then,  echoed  many  a  wail  of  woe, 

As  hurricanes  of  torrid  glow 
O'erwhelmed  the  blazing  spire. 

XVII. 

While  ran  a  sympathetic  thrill 

Of  pity  through  the  land, 
For  homeless  thousands,  mourning  still 
The  Fire  King's  imperious  will, 

The  world  ne'er  seemed  so  grand. 

38 


THE   RETURN. 
XVIII. 

How  nobly  other  lands  averred 
Their  brotherhood  the  while, 
Till,  winged  again,  the  city  stirred, 
Arising  like  the  wondrous  bird, 
From  out  its  funeral  pile  ! 

XIX. 

From  brave.  Chicago,  by  the  lake — 

A  pure  and  glorious  sea — 
We  soon  behold,  while  stars  awake, 
The  silver  moon  her  pathway  take 
In  cloudless  majesty. 

xx. 

The  "Albemarle,"  luxurious  car, 
That  bore  us  countless  miles, 
On  Genii's  wings,  to  seas  afar, 
Is  left  for  aye ;  no  time  can  mar 
Its  place  in  memory's  smiles. 


THE    OVERLAND   EOUTE. 
XXL 

The  morning  light  invites  our  stay 

At  Cleveland, — forest  town, — 
Where  stretch  the  brilliant  villas  gay, 
Through  many  a  lovely,  elm -grown  way. 
Lake  Erie's  verdant  crown. 

XXII. 

While  soon  the  crowded  course  is  gained, 

Where  pant  the  rapid  steeds, 
By  skilful  training,  deftly  reined 
Beyond  Apollo's  horses — feigned 

To  tread  celestial  meads. 

XXIII. 

The  lake,  that  Perry's  valor  gave 

A  fame  beyond  its  own, 
All  tranquil  sleeps,  though  yonder  wave, 
Of  silvery  peace,  ere  long  may  brave 

Niagara's  proud  throne. 


THE    RETURN. 
XXIV. 

Though  loth  to  part  from  friendly  hearts, 

And  Cleveland's  welcome  true, 
That  plead  delay  with  winning  arts, — 
Ere  long  the  train  all  swiftly  darts 
By  placid  waters  blue. 

XXV. 

At  Painesville  spires,  our  princely  host, 

Whose  kindness  cheered  the  way, 
Eejoins  us,  near  the  beauteous  coast, 
Where  sparkling  ripples  seem  the  most 
To  charm,  this  pleasing  day. 

XXVI. 

From  Buffalo's  imperial  state, 

We  near  a  sister  town, 
Where  Genesee,  by  cruel  fate, 
No  longer  floods  her  rocky  gate, 

Nor,  foaming,  plunges  down. 

41 


THE    OVERLAND   ROUTE. 
XXVII. 

While  evening  shadows  watcli  our  course 

To  Hudson's  lordly  flow, 
From  Syracuse,  the  iron  horse, 
With  speed  as  of  enchanted  force, 

O'er  fertile  plains  will  go. 

XXVIII. 

Till  early  day  will  bring  our  train 
To  where  we'll  meet  the  breeze, 
That,  sweeping  from  the  Atlantic's  main, 
Will  whisper :  Home  is  near  again, 
Manhattan,  by  the  seas ! 


THE   UNDINE. 


An  Undine  sighed  in  her  grot  of  shell, 
And  tear-drops  from  her  bright  eyes  fell 
"Alas!"  she  cried,  "no  sympathy 
Endears  the  creatures  of  the  sea ; 

Too  cold  our  chilly  blood 
Pours  its  pallid  stream  along ; 
Loving  friends  to  earth  belong, 
Unknown  beneath  our  flood ! 

43 


THE    UNDINE. 
II. 

"I  weary  of  gems  and  jewels  rare, 
And  ceaseless  pastime  brings  but  care ; 
Slowly  beats  an  Undine's  heart, 
Dead  to  love's  bewitching  art : 

Yet  why  glows  my  cheek  ? 
Why  this  pleasing,  strange  distress? 
Love  may  not  an  Undine  bless, 

Born  in  caverns  bleak !  " 

III. 

Sang  the  Undine  'neath  the  tide : 
"  Would  I  were  a  mortal's  bride ! 
Dwelling  near  some  lovely  lake ; 
Sporting  in  the  tangled  brake ; 

Free  to  cherish  love : 
Crowns  of  pearls  I'd  cast  away ; 
Happy,  leave  the  rainbow's  play, 

Meek  as  mating  dove  !  " 

44 


THE   UNDINE. 
IV. 

All  innocent  of  mortal  guile 
She  sang,  and  struck  her  harp  the  while. 
Widely  echoed  words  like  these, 
Borne  abroad  by  listening  seas, 
Heard  with  proud  disdain, 
Roused  her  sisters'  haughty  pride : 
"Leave,"  they  cried,  "our  tranquil  tide? 
Leave  thy  native  main  ? 

V. 

"  Sister,  rove  with  us  the  deep ; 
Bouse  the  dolphin  from  its  sleep ! 
What  is  love  ?  and  what  is  man  ? 
Haste,  forget  thy  foolish  plan ! 

What  to  us  is  earth  ? 
Dwelt  the  Undines  here  ere  land 
Raised  its  head,  or  yet  the  strand 

Bound  the  ocean's  girth  ! " 

45 


THE    UNDINE. 
VI. 

The  Undine  floated  o'er  the  sea, 
Harping  sweetest  minstrelsy ; 
Sailors  listened  to  her  song, 
As  she  drew  their  bark  along, 

Playing  merrily 

Bound  the  prow  and  bulwarks  brave, 
Foaming  in  the  swelling  wave, 

On  the  vessel's  lee. 


vn. 

Her  golden  locks  were  wreathed  with  spray, 
And,  won  by  her  enchanting  lay, 
A  crowd  of  finny  creatures  came ; 
The  shark,  whom  only  she  could  tame, 

Swam  gently  by  her  side  : 
The  fishes  love  the  fair  Undine, 
And  will  obey  no  other  queen, 

For  music  rules  the  tide. 

46 


THE   UNDINE. 
VIII. 

A  fisher-bark  came  sweeping  by ; 
The  Undine  heaved  a  piteous  sigh  ; 
And  when  she  saw  the  crew  prepare 
Their  fatal  nets,  with  cruel  care, 

She  struck  her  harp  again  ; 
Oh !  wildly  swelled  the  warning  song 
"  Ye  fishers,  do  the  fish  no  wrong, 

Or  bid  adieu  to  men  ! " 


IX. 

The  greedy  nets  are  spreading  free, 

And  drink  the  briny,  rolling  sea ; 

But,  charging  fierce  in  loyal  ranks, 

The  swordfish  thrust  through  oaken  planks ; 

The  whale,  with  furious  sweep, 
Attacks  the  vessel's  laboring  keel : 
The  timbers  crack  ;  the  top-masts  reel ; — 

It  founders  in  the  deep  ! 

47 


THE    UNDINE. 
X. 

A  wail  is  borne  from  yonder  shore, 
Where  widowed  wives,  a  saddened  score, 
Lament  yon  fisher  bark  in  vain ; 
Their  sorrow  gave  the  Undine  pain : 

"  Too  cold  am  1 1 "  she  cried, 
"  I  thought  of  my  poor  fish,  alone ; 
And  heeded  not  the  swimmer's  groan, 
Who  perished  in  the  tide ! 


XI. 

"Amid  the  breakers  will  I  dwell, 
And  warn  the  sailor,  by  the  swell 
Of  music  rare,  and  echoes  sweet, 
That  every  note  shall  soft  repeat, 

To  fly  from  dangers  hid ; 
Then  sweet  shall  be  my  balmy  rest, 
Pillowed  upon  the  Ocean's  breast, 

While  sea-birds  heed  my  bid  ! " 

48 


THE    UNDINE. 
XII. 

When  breakers  roar,  and  raves  the  blast, 
The  sailor,  on  the  giddy  mast, 
Has  often  heard  a  cadence  wild, 
With  words  of  warning,  soft  and  mild, 

To  steer  a  safer  course : 
The  Undine,  singing,  becks  away, 
And  leads,  by  dolphins'  winning  play, 

From  tempests  howling  hoarse. 


49 


LADY  GRACE'S  BRIDAL. 


A  castle  beams  in  the  ruddy  light 
Of  a  thousand  torches'  blaze ; 

The  moon  looks  calmly  on  the  night, 

Though  warriors  soon  will  rush  to  fight, 

In  festive  mantles  gaily  dight, 

And  filled  with  strange  amaze. 


II. 


A  lady's  bower  is  yonder  tower, 

Where  knotted  rope  is  seen 
To  wave  in  the  kiss  of  the  evening  breeze, 
That  shakes  the  vines  on  a  sculptured  frieze ; 
It  hangs  from  a  window  hid  by  trees, 

But  gleams  in  Dian's  sheen. 


50 


LADY   GRACES  BKIDAL. 
III. 

In  raftered  hall,  where  feasted  all, 
There  gathered  many  a  dame 

In  gay  attire.     A  bridal  scene  ! 

See  Lady  Grace,  in  beauty,  lean 

On  a  husband's  arm,  of  princely  mien 
And  proud,  ancestral  name ! 


IV. 


At  maiden's  call,  she  left  the  hall ; 

A  dizziness,  't  was  said, 
Had  seized  her  as  the  priest  said  grace : 
She  whispered,  with  a  blushing  face, 
'T  would  soon  be  past ;  with  modest  pace 

Then  left  the  table's  head. 


LADY   GRACES   BRIDAL. 


V. 


The  baron  smiled,  yet  blamed  his  child, 
While  guests  in  glistening  mail 

Laughed  at  the  lady's  whim.     The  maid 

Had  only  felt  o'ercome,  he  said ; 

Perhaps,  in  bridal  robes  arrayed, 
She  felt  her  courage  fail. 


VI. 


"Albert,"  he  cried,  "go,  seek  thy  bride  !  " 

And  urged  the  noble  youth, 
Who  quickly  left  the  stately  room 
For  lady's  bower,  although  a  gloom, 
The  mystic  work  of  fancy's  loom, 

O'erspread  his  thoughts  in  sooth. 


52 


LADY   GRACES   BRIDAL. 
VII. 

7T  was  strange  to  grieve  on  bridal  eve, 

When  not  a  shade  should  rise 
To  dim  his  joyous  dreams,  but  still 
He  felt  a  strange  and  piercing  chill 
Kun  through  his  gallant  breast,  until 
He  paused  in  mute  surprise. 


VIII. 

Beyond  the  stair,  an  alcove  fair 
Was  lighted  from  a  sconce ; 
And,  near  the  window,  Lady  Grace, 
With  blushes  on  her  lovely  face, 
Addressed  a  youth  of  noble  race, 
Who  knelt  there  for  the  nonce. 


LADY   GRACES   BRIDAL. 


IX. 


With  nodding  crest,  in  leathern  vest 

And  chain-mail  armor  clad, 
The  handsome  knight  besought  the  bride 
To  leave  her  home,  with  all  beside, 
And  venture  o'er  the  distant  tide. 
She  whispered  chidings  sad  : 


x. 


"  For  weal  or  woe,  an  hour  ago, 
My  troth  I  gave  another ; 
Hadst  thou  but  come  yestreen,  I  might 
Have  happy  been,  but  now,  this  night, 
It  is  too  late :  haste,  take  to  flight ! 
I  dare  not  grieve  my  mother ; 


54 


LADY   GEACE  S   BKIDAL. 


XI. 


"  I  should  not  pause,  she'll  learn  the  cause 

Of  my  strange  absence ;  fly  ! 
E'en  while  I  live,  I'll  ne'er  forget 
Our  youthful  love ;  ah,  stay  !  but  yet 
I  should  forget  that  we  have  met : 
Farewell,  till  worlds  on  high  ! — " 


XII. 

At  Albert's  tread,  her  visions  fled ; 

"  Stay,  villain  !  "  fierce  he  breathed. 
The  lady  shrieks,  a  strife  begins ; 
Alas  for  her  !  whoever  wins  ! 
The  cry,  the  clash  of  arms,  soon  thins 
The  hall  so  gaily  wreathed. 


55 


LADY  GRACE'S  BKIDAL. 

XIII. 

From  festive  din  the  guests  rush  in  ; 

The  stranger  knight  is  seized ; 
But,  ere  that  moment,  on  the  floor 
Young  Albert  lies  in  purple  gore, 
That  proves  the  sword  has  pierced  him  sore, 

His  wrath  all  unappeased. 


XIV. 

The  baron  orders  faithful  thralls 
To  bear  the  caitiff  knight 

To  some  low  dungeon,  fettered  well ; 

But,  ere  they  lead  him  to  the  cell, 

The  daring  stranger  shouts  to  tell 
His  men-at-arms  to  fight. 


.56 


LADY   GKACE  S   BKIDAL. 
XV. 

The  moonbeams  gleam  on  many  a  pine, 

That  shades  the  terrace  high  ; 
They  glitter  now  on  shining  mail 
Of  comrade  warriors:  "Haste,  assail," 
They  answering  cry,  "  the  outer  pale ! 
The  castle's  weakness  try !  " 


XVI. 

With  war's  alarms,  the  men-at-arms 

Attack  the  barbacan  ; 
The  baron  heads  the  garrison ; 
With  shout  and  groan  the  fight  rolls  on ; 
The  half-defended  wall  is  won, 

By  many  a  gallant  man. 


57 


LADY    GRACE  S    BRIDAL. 
XVII. 

But,  each  that  dares  the  massive  stairs, 

A  certain  death  awaits : 
The  grim  old  baron  loves  a  fray ; 
Like  sweep  of  avalanche  his  way, 
When  yonder  foemen  first  essay 

To  seize  the  inner  gates. 


XVIII. 

Through  combats  fierce  they  onward  pierce, 

Outnumbered,  then  retire ; 
When  darksome  mists  the  archway  shroud, 
They  pause ;  and  soon  a  murky  cloud 
Of  vapor  warns  the  baron  proud 

His  castle  is  on  fire ! 


58 


LADY    GKACE  S   BKIDAL. 
XIX. 

For  haughtiest. mien  an  awful  scene! 

The  fire  spreads  the  .while : 
Its  dangers  calm  the  baron's  pride ; 
For  Lady  Grace,  the  lovely  bride, 
Still  prays  in  grief  by  Albert's  side, 

Within  the  ancient  pile. 


xx. 

A  prize  untold  of  treasured  gold 
He'll  give  to  save  her  now ; 

A  score,  at  least,  the  venture  try ; 

'T  is  useless.    -Must  that  fair  one  die 

'Mid  flames  and  smoke?     A  sudden  cry 
Of  "Rescue!"  smooths  his  brow. 


59 


LADY   GKACE  S   BRIDAL. 
XXI. 

The  knotted  rope  now  proffers  hope, 
For,  slowly  down  its  strands, 

The  hardy  knight  with  ease  descends ; 

While  all  his  utmost  care  he  lends 

To  guard  the  lovely  bride,  he  tends, 
From  danger,  ere  she  lands. 


XXII. 

The  tower's  base  reach  friends  apace, 
And  soon  the  pallid  bride, 

In  terror,  seeks  her  father's  arms ; 

But,  while  he  soothes  her  wild  alarms, 

He  asks  for  Albert,  while  she  charms 
With  tears  his  haughty  pride. 


LADY   GRACE  S   BRIDAL. 
XXIII. 

"  Close  to  rny  side  young  Albert  died !  r 

She  sobbed  in  accents  low : 
"I  would  not  leave  him,  but  he's  dead; 
His  blood  is  on  my  guilty  head ; 
A  cloistered  life  must  now  be  led 
By  her  who  caused  this  woe  !  " 


XXIV. 

Soft  peal  the  bells  o'er  lonely  cells 

In  yonder  abbey  gray : 
This  morn  a  maid,  of  beauty  rare, 
Has  left  the  world  with  all  its  care, 
If  matin  chimes  and  cloister  air 
May  soothe  her  griefs  away. 


61 


LADY    GRACES   BRIDAL. 
XXV. 

A  saintly  face  had  Lady  Grace ; 

And  when  she  died,  't  is  said, 
A  wreath  of  roses  was  each  day, 
By  stranger  hands,  placed  o'er  her  clay 
The  nuns  at  vespers  ever  pray 

Their  lives  like  hers  be  sped. 


THE.STOKM   KING. 


The  Storm  King  rose  from  his  northern  lair, 
Shaking  the  rime  from  his  frosty  hair; 
In  wrath  he  cried:   "To  the  South  I'll  go, 
And  shroud  the  world  in  a  robe  of  snow ! " 


II. 


His  misty  form,  like  an  iceberg's  shaft, 
Gleams  o'er  the  drifting,  glacial  raft, 
While  Northern  Lights  flame  round  his  eyes, 
And  whirlwinds  at  his  tread  arise  ! 

63 


THE   STOKM    KING. 


III. 


The  North  Wind  roared  in  his  Arctic  home 
"I'll  follow  thee,  monarch,  across  the  foam, 
Where  many  a  laden  argosy 
Will  rue  the  hour  it  met  with  me  !  " 


IV. 


The  Storm  King  spread  his  pinions  wide, 
And  bore  the  North  Wind  at  his  side ; 
The  forests  groaned  as  the  gale  flew  by, 
Sweeping  the  branches  toward  the  sky ! 


v. 


The  rivers  foamed  with  a  maddening  glee, 
And  shoreward  dashed  a  stormy  sea, 
Lashing  the  beach  and  the  rocky  strand, 
Surging  to  whelm  the  hated  land ! 

64 


THE   STORM   KING. 


VI. 


Billow  on  billow  mounts  on  high, 
Till  foaming  crests  to  bubbles  fly ; 
Wildly  they  struggle,  with  angry  roar : 
'T  is  useless  strife  with  the  rugged  shore  ! 


VII. 


The  Storm  King  cried :  u  I'll  onward  sweep 
O'er  yonder  wide  and  sullen  deep ; 
My  lordly  sway  has  taught  the  wave, 
In  stormy  winds,  to  foam  and  rave  ! " 

VITI. 

The  North  Wind  blew  o'er  a  noble  fleet, 
As  it  lay  at  rest,  on  the  glassy  sheet 
Of  a  sheltered  haven :  "  Come,"  he  cried, 
"  I'll  prove  yon  ships  against  the  tide !  " 

65 


THE   STOKM   KING. 


IX. 


Sudden  and  sharp  was  his  icy  breath ; — 
The  mariners  sleep  the  sleep  of  death ; 
The  gallant  fleet,  that  morn  so  gay, 
Has  foundered  in  the  treacherous  bay ! 


x. 


Onward  the  terrible  pair  proceed  ; 
They  deem  yon  wreck  a  glorious  deed  ; 
And  now,  with  a  storm  of  heaviest  rain, 
They  dash  o'er  the  dark  and  troubled  main 


XL 


The  thunder  peals  o'er  the  vasty  deep, 
Aroused  from  its  transient,  quiet  sleep  ; 
And  lightning's  flash  shows  many  a  bark 
Laboring  hard  in  the  tempest  dark ! 


THE   STORM   KING. 
XII. 

The  ocean  roars  in  the  mighty  blast, 
As  the  mariner  clings  to  his  tottering  mast ; 
But  morning's  sun  will  show  the  sea 
Alone  in  its  immensity ! 

XIII. 

Across  the  foam  the  Storm  King  blows 
A  blast  that  tells  of  the  northern  snows ; 
And,  driving  the  tide  with  a  mighty  roar, 
They  sweep  in  wrath  to  the  distant  shore  1 

XIV. 

The  North  Wind  breathed  o'er  the  banks  of  cloud, 
And  chilled  the  drops  that  his  pinions  ploughed ; 
The  sparkling  flakes  and  rattling  hail 
Increase  the  awe  of  the  rising  gale  1 

67 


THE   STOKM    KING. 


XV. 


With  roar  and  crash  the  North  Wind  flies ; 
The  Storm  King  looks  with  wrathful  eyes ; 
And,  when  his  slave  has  wreaked  his  worst, 
He  joins  the  turmoil  as  at  first ! 

XVI. 

The  storm  will  leave  poor  wives  to  weep 
The  loss  of  their  all  an  the  briny  deep ; 
While  young  and  old,  of  every  age, 
Will  mourn,  in  vain,  the  tempest's  rage ! 

XVII. 

Howe'er  proud  man  may  spread  his  sway, 
The  Storm  King  rules  the  winds  to-day, 
As  when,  at  Creation's  dawn,  he  rose 
To  war  with  the  sea  and  land,  his  foes  I 

68 


IDYLS  OF  NIAGARA. 


THE    CAVE    OF   THE    WINDS. 


As  my  footstep  gains  yon  portal,  swells  within  me  the  immortal ! 

Earth's  glories  pale,  Niagara !  when  we  would  thread  thy  foam : 
Surging  down  with  roar  and  quiver,  comes  the  awful,  thundering  river, 

As  through  the  veil  of  spray  we  glide,  and  tread  the  Wind  King's  dome. 


II. 


With  a  hush  of  expectation,  in  a  glow  of  contemplation, 

Enwrapped  in  foaming,  stormy  mists,  we  reach  the  cliff  beyond ; 

While  caverned  rocks  behind  us  would,  with  solemn  groan,  remind  us 
We  covenant  with  Danger,  would  we  burst  her  iron  bond. 


IDYLS   OF  NIAGARA. 


III. 


See  a  land  of  wonder  open  !  as  the  charm  of  storm  is  broken, 

Where  rainbows  gleam  in  beauty,  deep  in  Nature's  mystic  shrine ; 

While  the  circling  tints,  uniting,  paint  Apocalyptic  writing, 
Till  bright-winged  seraphs  greet  us  in  a  presence  so  divine  ! 


IV. 


For  rapt,  entranced,  with  gazing  at  the  sunlight  brightly  blazing 
On  the  awful,  shadowy  whiteness  of  the  grand,  majestic  fall ; 

On  radiant  wings  victorious,  float  the  visions  ever  glorious, 

Till  shines  the  great,  white  throne  of  Him  who  reigns  in  starry  hall 


V. 


While  the  emerald  rainbow  gleaming,  as  it  quivers  in  its  beaming, 
Circles  round  yon  snowy  emblem  of  the  throne  in  Patmos  seen, 

Till  the  elders'  voices  reach  us,  and  their  holy  accents  teach  us 
To  cast  our  crowns  before  the  throne,  with  faith's  adoring  mien ! 

70 


IDYLS   OF   NIAGARA. 


A   VIEW   FROM   THE    "MAID   OF   THE   MIST." 


Beneath  an  arcli  of  gleaming  tints  that  spans  a  rushing  tide, 
Our  struggling  bark  draws  near  a  scene  of  whirlpools  eddying  wide  ; 
Where  roaring  waters  foaming  meet,  that  late,  an  emerald  surge, 
Swept  grandly  in  a  storm-girt  flood,  o'er  yonder  time-worn  verge. 


II. 

The  sunbeams  glow,  where,  'mid  the  spray,  the  hastening  rapids  dash ; 
While  winds  in  torment  raving  sweep,  with  more  than  Furies'  lash ; 
The  fatal  Maelstrom  never  raged  with  such  stupendous  might, 
As  where  the  gale-swept,  whirling  foam  brings  Chaos  back,  and  Night 

71 


IDYLS   OF  NIAGARA. 


III. 


The  fall,  where  circling  rainbows  meet,  sends  up  a  mighty  sound ; 
While  yonder  glorious  Horseshoe  curve  of  waters  shakes  the  ground 
But,  floating  on  a  stormy  wave  between  their  thunder-peals, 
The  cresting,  deep,  eternal  surge  its  grandest  power  reveals. 


IV. 


Commingling  seas  hurl  cataracts,  that  claim  a  blended  name, 
Transcending  all  the  falls  on  earth,  in  grandeur  as  in  fame : 
The  ocean  seems  to  crest  a  verge,  supreme  in  curving  sweep, 
Whose  thunders  share  the  majesty  that  crowns  the  conquering  deep 


V. 


From  altar-cliffs,  the  mist,  like  smoke  of  sacrifice  and  prayer, 
Wafts  up,  as  Nature's  paean  wakes  the  floods  and  ambient  air ; 
The  tinted  bow  of  promise  floats  on  wings  of  cloudy  spray, 
And  wondrous  anthems  seem  to  bring  the  Heavens  near  to-day 

72 


IDYLS   OF   NIAGAKA. 


THE    LUNAR   KAINBOW. 


The  moonlight  fondly  lingers  on  Niagara's  pale  sheen ; 
While  strange,  fantastic  shadows  troop,  the  flood-worn  cliffs  between, 
Where,  weirdly  rising  through  the  spray,  a  fairy  arch  of  light, 
With  ghostly  gleams  of  color,  springs, — a  vision  wondrous  bright ! 


II. 


A  bow  of  purest  silver,  tinged  with  iridescent  dyes, 

Or  like  the  magic  scimitar  a  paladin  would  prize, 

It  gleams  as  though  't  were  brandished,  by  the  startled  Queen  of  Night, 

To  dare  the  rushing  cataract,  while  foaming  in  its  might ! 

73 


IDYLS    OF   NIAGARA. 


III. 


The  spray  mounts  up  to  waft  it  in  a  leap  from  sliore  to  shore, 
While,  through  the  shadowy  portal,  comes  a  diapason  roar, 
Majestical  in  cadence,  too  sublime  for  mortal  speech, 
That  breathes  the  mighty  mystery  these  awful  surges  teach! 


IV. 


It  thrills  in  mournful  music  to  the  soul  that  listens  well : 
u  For  ever,  and  for  ever !  "  seems  from  out  the  surge  to  swell, 
As  yon  abyss  of  tempest-mist  receives  the  thundering  wave, 
While,  o'er  the  river,  stormy  gusts  amid  the  foam-clouds  rave ! 

V. 

The  phantoms'  hour  of  might  draws  near;  the  Storm  King  mounts  on  high ; 
And  slowly  fades  the  moonlight  from  the  dark,  tempestuous  sky : 
The  mystic  arch  is  gone,  and  hark !  the  river's  thunder  tone 
Invokes  the  lightnings,  till  they  vie  in  grandeurs  of  their  own ! 

74 


THE  CLOCK  TOWER,  VENICE, 

IK  1856. 


Ye  giants,  ever  thundering  forth  the  hour  with  measured  clang ! 

How  proudly  once  your  answering  strokes  through  yon  piazza  rang, 

When  dark,  mysterious  Venice  hushed  her  citizens  to  sleep, 

And  bade  them  rest,  for  chosen  ones  the  Doge's  watch  would  keep ! 

The  moonlight  played  o'er  broad  canals,  reflecting  lofty  towers, 

Where  nobles  revelled  joyously  through  midnight's  darkest  hours : 

What  recked  they  if  a  comrade's  face  were  blotted  out  from  men  ? 

The  dark  canal  received  the  fool  that  braved  the  noble  Ten. 

Yet  strike,  ye  brazen  giants !  though  the  Doge's  sway  be  past, 

And  Austrian  standards  wave,  alas !  from  each  imperial  mast, 

•Ye  call  up  dreams  of  olden  times,  while  figures,  strange  and  quaint, 

Move  by,  as  yonder  puppets  bow  before  their  carven  saint. 

I  see  the  ancient  city  when  she  ruled  the  open  seas ! 

But  though  her  flag  brought  wealth  where'er  it  met  the  genial  breeze, 

75 


THE    CLOCK   TOWER,    VENICE. 

And  Venice  glowed  in  splendor,  yet  her  empire  o'er  the  sea 

Was  not  enjoyed  by  citizens  that  loved  true  liberty. 

Ye  shades  of  ancient  heroes  who  adorned  this  mighty  town ! 

Come  back  to  earth,  and  tell  us, — though  your  lives  ye  oft  laid  down 

When  Venice  bade  ye  battle, — did  not  Carthaginian  pride 

Reign  fiercely  in  the  bosom  of  the  Adriatic's  bride  ? 

It  is  a  jealous  sway  when  men  refrain  from  honest  speech ; 

It  was  not  freedom  when  the  sword  hung  o'er  the  head  of  each  ; 

The  proud  Venetians  kissed  the  rod,  and  deemed  such  rule  the  best, 

But  liberty  they  scarcely  knew,  or  never  deigned  to  test. 

Ring  out,  thou  clanging  bell,  aye,  peal !  but  ring  for  better  days, 

When  Venice,  taught  by  tyranny,  may  sound  true  freedom's  praise ! 

St.  Mark's  is  glowing  in  the  calm  and  pallid,  silvery  light, 
Thrown  wide  in  sparkling  torrents  from  the  radiant  orb  of  night : 
An  Eastern  tale  in  marble  is  that  hoary,  ancient  pile, 
Where  Barbarossa  bowed  his  neck,  o'ercorne  by  papal  wile. 
A  shadowy,  gay  procession  sweeps  along  the  open  square,— 
The  Emperor  comes  to  Venice,  with  a  penitential  air ; 
That  mighty  Barbarossa  fears  yon  priest's  bejewelled  cope, 

76 


THE    CLOCK   TO  WEE,    VENICE. 

And  must  atone  for  injuries  to  Home's  imperious  Pope ; 

The  Empire  kneels  before  the  Church,  and  Alexander  dares 

To  place  his  foot  upon  the  neck  of  one  of  Caesar's  heirs ! 

The  shadows  fade,  while  o'er  the  bay  come  morning's"  earliest  beams, 

But  daylight,  here  in  Venice,  cannot  break  the  spell  of  dreams ; 

A  long  day-dream  it  is  to  roam  through  mouldering  marble  piles, 

And  hear  the  gondolier's  slow  plash  awake  the  silent  isles : 

The  dark  canals,  the  lofty  towers  and  temples,  thickly  strewn, 

The  dreams  of  wildest  fantasy,  slow  mouldering  in  stone, 

The  stillness  of  the  watery  streets,  scarce  broken  by  a  sound, 

Impress  the  laden  fancy  so,  its  wings  would  touch  the  ground. 

The  Doge's  Palace  frowns  beside  St.  Mark's  majestic  throne, — 
Yet  doges  were  oft  shadows,  while  as  phantoms  they  have  flown : 
The  Giants'  Staircase,  and  the  spot  where  Faliero's  head 
Eolled  down  the  marble  steps,  to  join  the  armies  of  the  dead, 
May  draw  a  tear  or  passing  sigh,  at  least  the  solemn  thought, 
That  vengeance,  such  as  that  he  sought,  were  far  too  dearly  bought. 
St.  Mark's  winged  lion  still  looks  down  from  yonder  column's  height, 
A  token  of  the  proud  Eepublic's  ancient  strength  and  might  ; 

77 


THE   CLOCK   TOWER,    VENICE. 

The  Gaul  restored  his  trophy,  conquered  Paris  missed  it  not, 
While  Venice  feels  that  lion's  sway  can  never  be  forgot.1* 

O  golden,  dreamy  Venice !  who  would  roam  the  world  alone, 

When  old,  historic  friends  seem  beckoning  from  each  sculptured  stone  ? 

The  world  drifts  madly  by  thee,  yet  it  cannot  mar  thy  peace ; 

While  centuries  roll  back  their  gates,  all  cares  and  troubles  cease. 

Mysterious  city !  when  we  gaze  on  pinnacle  and  dome, 

And  see  thee  rise,  like  Venus  fair,  from  out  the  sparkling  foam, 

A  dreamy  wonder  fills  the  soul,  and,  floating  o'er  the  waves, 

Thy  distant  chimes  seem  fairies'  song,  upborne  from  ocean  caves. 


78 


AFTER   THE   WRECK. 


Awake  bright  day !  A  lonely  watch  of  agony  I  keep : 
Wildly  rave  the  billows ;  sadly  moans  the  deep  : 
She,  who  slumbers  by  me  on  the  dark  and  desert  shore, 
Sleeps  too  soundly,  breakers,  to  be  wakened  by  your  roar ! 


II. 

Bright  her  golden  ringlets  glance  in  yonder  dawning  light, 
But  the  pallid  moon,  that  shone  so  weirdly  in  the  night, 
Kissed  her  cheeks  so  coldly,  that  their  rosy  color  fled : 
Alice,  wake !  Ah,  nothing  wakes  the  slumbers  of  the  dead ! 

ill. 

Seaweed  garlands  deck  her  curls,  the  work  of  ocean  nymphs, 
Wrought  when,  swept  from  floating  masts,  she  vanished  at  a  glimpse 
Coldly  closed  the  waters  round  her  fair,  ethereal  form, 
Far  too  fragile  e'er  too  live  through  such  a  raging  storm ! 

79 


AFTER   THE   WRECK. 
IV. 

All  are  gone,  and  I,  alas !  survive  the  awful  wreck : 
Alice,  little  thought  we,  when  we  paced  the  quiet  deck, 
I  should  only,  of  our  crew,  in  safety  reach  the  land, 
And  hold  my  darling  in  these  arms,  alone  upon  the  strand ! 

V. 

Break,  proud  day !  I  care  not  for  thy  brightest,  golden  beams ; 
She  is  gone  who  ever  reigned  sole  idol  of  my  dreams : 
Ocean,  come !  I  hail  thy  waves ;  the  tide,  now  rising  high, 
Will  sweep  me  from  the  narrow  strand ; — near  Alice  I  shall  die ! 


A  PASTORAL. 


Pleasant  groves  and  laughing  brooks  ! 
Aye,  ye  cool  and  shady  nooks, 
Where  the  trout,  in  countless  numbers, 
Wake  the  waters  from  their  slumbers  ; 
Ye,  I  hail,  when' summer's  sun 
Hath  its  burning  heat  begun ; 
When  the  branches,  drooping,  quiver 
O'er  the  cool,  refreshing  river  ; 
And  the  songster's  merry  trill 
Echoes  from  the  silent  mill, 
Where,  upon  the  moss-grown  wheel, 
Many  happy  pairs  conceal 
Glossy  eggs  from  curious  eyes, 
Lest  some  boy  may  make  a  prize 
Of  the  nest  so  neatly  twined, 
Which  their  careful  beaks  have  lined 

81 


A   PASTOKAL. 

With  the  softest  hair  and  down  : 
Shame,  that  any  country  clown 
Should  be  found  to  spoil  the  labor 
Of  his  pretty,  feathered  neighbor ! 


See  !  the  stream,  that  once  of  old 
Turned  the  mill  that  brought  the  gold 
To  the  rich,  old  miller's  purse, — 
Where  it  proved  a  speedy  curse, — 
Now,  released  from  wooden  gloom, 
Foams  above  the  moss-grown  flume  ; 
Blithely  leaps  adown  the  vale, 
Pausing  here  to  fill  a  pail, 
Left  by  careful  lass  to  cool 
In  the  deepest  of  the  pool ; 
Hurrying  now  adown  a  steep, 
With  a  playful,  merry  leap  ; 
Here,  entangled  in  the  willows, 
Foaming  apes  the  ocean's  billows. 

82 


A  PASTOKAL. 

Merry  brook  !  I  love  its  glee, 
As  it  sparkles  merrily 
In  the  sunbeam's  scattered  light,— 
Where  it  threads  the  leafy  night,— 
Hailing  here  the  golden  day, 
As  through  meadows  ripe  for  hay, 
Bursting  from  the  shady  grove, 
Where  it  loved  so  long  to  rove  ; 
Laughing  at  the  waving  grass, 
That  will  hardly  let  it  pass 
Ere  it  slyly  steals  a  kiss,— 
On  it  hastes  to  yon  abyss  ; 
Boldly  plunging  down  the  height, 
With  a  wanton,  gay  delight ; 
Hiding  with  a  silvery  veil, 
Shaken  by  the  passing  gale, 
Every  rugged,  rocky  feature, 
Like  a  merry,  laughing  creature ! 


A  PASTORAL. 

Lovely  vales  !  that  far  below 
Sparkle  in  the  sunlight's  glow, 
Greet  this  merry  brook  for  me, 
As  it  hastens  to  the  sea  ; 
Fold  your  tender  arms  around  it ; 
Keep  it  spotless  as  ye  found  it ! 
In  yon  dark  and  rapid  river, 
All  that  sparkle,  all  that  quiver, 
Will  be  lost  amid  the  tide, 
As  it  chafes  the  vessel's  side. 
Restless  brook  !  thy  playful  stream 
Tells  the  whole  of  life's  long  dream, 
As  thou  prattlest  to  the  herds 
All  the  love-songs  of  the  birds  ; 
How  they  sang  about  the  Spring, 
Or  swept  round  on  rapid  wing, 
Skimming  o'er  thy  brimming  fount, 
On  the  distant,  verdant  mount. 
Now,  a  deep  and  crystal  wave, 
Thou  canst  roll  along  the  nave 

84 


.    A   PASTORAL. 


Formed  by  arching  trees  above, 
Where  the  birds  still  whisper  love  ; 
But  thy  ripples,  as  they  foam, 
Sigh  for  that  sweet,  mountain  home. 


85 


LADY  BELLE. 


Loud  yelled  the  castle-hounds  at  morn,  in  early,  warm  September ; 

The  drawbridge  fell,  and  Lady  Belle  right  gallantly  rode  out. 
That  morning,  all  the  hamlet  folk, — who  pitied  her, — remember, 

Recalling  well  her  winning  smile  and  pretty,  dimpling  pout, 
That  stern  Lord  William's  temper  could  not  change,  although  he  vainly 

Essayed  to  bend  the  wilful  girl,  who  mocked  his  angry  mien : 
Lord  William  she  ne'er  loved,  nay,  called  him  ugly  and  ungainly, 

And  all  declared  he  suited  not  her  beauty,  that  a  queen 
Might  envy.     She  was  lovely  !  fair  as  early,  blushing  summer, 

When  roses  shed  a  fragrant  gale  of  perfume  on  the  air  : 
Lord  William,  if  at  Christmas-tide  he  figured  as  a  mummer, 

Would  make  the  saddest  mourner  laugh,  the  sleepiest  baron  stare. 
Forth  rode  the  lovely  lady,  in  the  dew  of  early  morning, 

To  hunt  the  stag  ;  she  turned  her  steed  towards  a  distant  glade  : 
The  branches  stooped  to  greet  her,  as  the  pallid  light,  then  dawning, 

Shone  weirdly  on  her  beauty,  till  each  early  village  maid, 

86 


LADY   BELLE. 

Who  met  her,  almost  shuddered  as  she  courtesied  to  the  lady, 

Whose  alms  outvied  her  beauty, — for  she  was  a  bounteous  dame  ; 
Aye,  many  an  eye  looked  after,  as  the  forest  deep  and  shady 

Received  the  lovely  woman,  fully  worthy  of  her  name. 
Lady  Belle,  return  !    Lord  William,  though  you  thought  he  slumbered  soundly, 

Heard  every  voice  this  morning,  as  in  yonder  tower  he  lay  ; 
O,  venture  not  too  rashly  !  for  he  storms  and  curses  roundly, 

An4  calls  thee,  gentle  lady,  all  too  wild,  and  far  too  gay. 
From  yonder  lofty  turret  he  has  watched  thy  groom's  devotion, 

While  by  a  secret  postern -gate  he  leaves  the  castle  now ; 
A  courser  there  awaits  him,  he  will  mount  without  commotion, 

And  follow  every  foot-print,  with  a  shadow  on  his  brow. 
Beware,  thou  gentle  lady  !     Rumor  says — and  some  believe  it — 

Yon  handsome  groom  is  gentle,  and  no  stable-youth  by  birth : 
Lord  William  dreams  he's  Edgar,  thy  old  love  ;  then  wherefore  leave  it 

To  Scandal's  tongue,  fair  lady,  to  proclaim  it  o'er  the  earth  ? 
Why  must  that  groom  be  ever  at  thy  bridle-rein  when  riding  ? 

Dismiss  him,  gentle  lady  !  't  is  a  trial  to  be  borne  ; 
Though  he  tells  sweet,  forest  legends,  yet  allow  no  room  for  chiding ; 

'T  were  well  he  left  thy  palfrey's  side,  if  only  on  this  morn. 

87 


LADY   BELLE. 

Nay,  Lady  Belle  is  wilful,  and  she  loves  to  hear  traditions 

Related  by  the  handsome  groom,  that  holds  her  bridle-rein  ; 
But,  while  she  stoops  intently,  all  Lord  William's  dull  suspicions 

Are  fanned  to  flame  ;  he  rides  in  jealous  fury  o'er  the  plain. 
Low  howled  the  hounds  at  midnight,  as  a  single  cry  of  terror 

Disturbed  the  placid  stillness  of  the  calm  September  night ; 
A  spotless  lady,  falsely  charged  by  jealousy  with  error, 

Lies  bleeding  on  the  chapel  floor,  a  woful,  piteous  sight ! 
The  cross  she  clasps  is  reddened  with  her  life-blood's  crimson  blushes, 

And  deep  her  ermine  robe  is  stained  with  that  untimely  dye  : 
Her  maidens  found  the  corse,  at  early  morn,  among  the  rushes, 

Where  painted  windows  rain  soft  rays  the  secret  to  descry. 


88 


THE   WATEK   FAY. 


Far  in  a  cool  and  darksome  pool, 

Of  a  quiet,  mountain  glen, 
A  water  fay  contented  lay, 

In  a  cataract's  spray  :  but  when 
The  rainbow  gleamed  on  the  waterfall, 

With  its  tinted  arch  of  light, 
And  beamed  on  the  heavy,  mossy  pall 

That  hid  the  spring  from  sight, 
The  fay  grew  weary  of  the  gloom, 

And  longed  to  see  the  day, 
To  view  the  sun,  whose  radiant  loom 

Could  weave  such  colors  gay. 
She  asked  the  breeze  and  the  sparkling  spray, 

What  was  there  'yond  the  vale, 
To  which  the  gladsome  orb  of  day 

Followed  the  eastern  gale. 

89 


THE    WATER   FAY. 

The  merry  breeze,  with  a  playful  shake, 

Kemoved  the  mossy  pall, 
And  showed,  beside  a  distant  lake, 

A  castle  vast  and  tall : 
"  I  often  blow  by  the  western  tower, 

And  see  a  youthful  knight 
Loot  out  and  greet  the  sunset  hour, 

Or  morning's  golden  light 
For  years  I've  watched  his  slender  form 

Expand  to  manhood's  mien  ; 
I  fan  his  brow,  and  in  the  storm 

Oft  kiss  his  cheek,  unseen." 


The  fay,  enraptured,  lists  too  well, 
For,  when  the  breeze  is  gone, 

She  fain  would  break  the  slender  spell, 
That  binds  her,  every  morn, 

To  sink  beneath  the  bubbling  spring, 
And  bring  a  jewel  up, 

90 


THE   WATER   FAY. 

To  grace  her  queen,  as  a  beauteous  ring, 

Or  deck  her  golden  cup. 
She  longs  to  view  the  distant  tower 

Where  dwells  the  youthful  knight, 
And  wearies  of  her  mossy  bower, 

To  which  the  golden  light 
Of  early  day  can  hardly  reach, 

To  tinge  the  quiet  pool. 
The  breeze  has  told  of  a  pebbly  beach, 

With  grottoes  deep  and  cool, 
Where  many  a  sister  fay  is  seen 

Amid  the  laughing  waves ; 
Where  Undines,  clothed  in  seaweed  green, 

Command  obedient  slaves 
To  bring  them  pearls  from  the  briny  sea 

To  deck  their  waving  hair ; 
And  play  in  merry,  sportive  glee, 

Without  a  thought  of  care  : 
'  Oh  would  I  were  a  fair  Undine, 

And  free  to  leave  my  spring, 

91 


THE   WATER   FAY. 


To  deck  my  hair  with  the  jewels  rare 
From  the  watery  depths  I  would  bring  ! 


The  cataract  breathed  in  her  listening  ear : 
"  Sweet  fay,  but  follow  me, 
I'll  bear  thee  away,  in  my  torrent's  play, 

To  the  distant,  deep,  blue  sea ; 
We'll  plunge  o'er  the  dark  and  frowning  rock 

To  the  lovely  vale  below ; 
A  fay  can  bear  the  sudden  shock, 

Enwrapped  in  my  silvery  flow." 
"  Farewell  for  aye,  my  native  grot !  " 

The  fairy  whispered  low : 
"Farewell!  in  future  I  shall  not 

Know  fear  of  ice  or  snow. 
My  bubbling  spring,  for  aye  adieu ! 

Thy  cool  and  pleasant  well 
Must  fade,  forever,  from  my  view  ; 

Fair,  jewelled  depths,  farewell !  " 

92 


THE    WATER   FAY. 

The  torrent  twined  its  misty  arms 

Around  the  timid  fay ; 
She  feels  her  grot  has  many  charms, 

As  now  she  glides  away ; 
Yet  liow  endure  her  haughty  queen, 

"Whose  brilliant  diadem 
Claims,  for  its  now  unrivalled  sheen, 

Each  new-discovered  gem ! 
She  fancies,  then,  the  ocean  sprites, 

And  that  fair,  sparkling  lake, 
Where  she  will  rest  for  many  nights, 

And  see  the  water-snake 
Erect  its  glossy  head  on  high 

Above  the  waters  blue : 
She  views  the  open,  sunny  sky, 

And  feels  the  breeze  said  true. 


Enwrapped  in  a  misty  veil  of  spray, 
They  leap  the  lofty  height, 


•    THE   WATER   FAY. 

And  float  away  with  the  torrent's  play 

In  the  rainbow's  varied  light. 
Through  many  a  green  and  flowery  mead, 

The  river  pours  along ; 
The  frightened  fay  can  hardly  heed 

The  bird's  melodious  song ; 
Her  sister  sprites  come  flocking  near 

To  see  the  stranger  fay, 
And  wonder  from  what  distant  mere 

She  can  have  swum  away  ; 
They  offer  water-lilies  bright, 

And  gems  of  varied  hue, 
But,  till  the  fall  be  lost  to  sight, 

The  fay  must  speed  anew ; 
She  dreads  her  queen's  imperious  wrath, 

And  fears  the  tattling  breeze 
May  point  her  wild  and  dangerous  path, 

Ere  she  has  reached  the  seas. 
Amid  the  fairies  of  the  lake 

She  hopes  for  safety  soon  ; 

94 


THE   WATER   FAY. 

Already  she  can  see  them  shake 
Their  locks,  as  the  rising  moon 

With  mellow  radiance  softly  shines 
On  the  castle,  grim  and  old, 

Enwrapped  in  countless,  wanton  vines, 
That  veil  its  outlines  bold. 


'T  were  a  merry  sight  to  watch  the  fays, 

As  lovingly  they  play ; 
No  mortal  eye  can  ever  gaze 

On  revels  half  so  gay ; 
They  chase  the  pretty,  sportive  fish, 

Who  know  no  thought  of  fright, 
For  fairies  in  their  pastimes  wish 

The  finny  tribe  no  spite. 
They  gather  merrily  to  hail 

Their  new  companion  now, 
Recall  the  rose  to  features  pale, 

And  kiss  her  weary  brow. 

95 


THE    WATER   FAY. 

Anon  they  lead  her  to  a  bower, 

Beneath  the  waters  blue, 
Adorned  with  many  a  water-flower, 

And  radiant  to  the  view.— 
With  water-lilies  crowned,  their  queen 

Keceives  the  timid  sprite, 
Arrayed  in  robes  of  deep  sea-green, 

All  sparkling  in  the  light 
That  filters  through  the  watery  dome 

In  bright,  yet  softened,  rays ; 
She  bids  the  fairy  welcome  home, 

And  kindly  then  displays 
The  thousand  treasures  of  the  waves, 

The  heaps  of  gems  untold, 
And  pearls,  for  which  a  fairy  braves 

The  ocean  deep  and  cold. 


"  0  joyous  life,"  the  fay  exclaimed, 
"  To  live  beneath  the  sea, 

96 


THE   WATER   FAY. 

And  view  the  secrets,  all  unnamed, 

Of  ocean's  majesty  ; 
To  sport  arnid  the  gay  Undines, 

And  through  the  coral  caves  ; 
To  gaze  on  new  and  varied  scenes 

Beneath  the  stormy  waves  !  " 
0  fay,  beware  !  "  the  monarch  cries, 
"  We  fairies  of  the  lake, 
Who  scent  the  salt  breeze  as  it  flies, 

Can  hardly  undertake 
The  journey  to  the  deep  sea  grots, 

Where  dwell  the  ocean  fays  ; 
The  demons  weave  their  wicked  plots 

To  tempt  the  unwary  gaze  ; 
They  pile  up  lofty  coral  reefs 

To  check  our  toilsome  course, 
And,  led  by  bold  and  daring  chiefs, 

Use  every  known  resource 
To  check  our  progress  ;  yes,  they  dare 

To  bring  the  cuttle-fish, 

97 


THE   WATER  FAY. 

And  darken  every  wave,  nor  spare 

The  Undines,  if  they  wish 
To  guide  us  through  the  watery  night. 

Then  fay,  beware  the  sea  ! 
But  wherefore  roam  ?     Kay,  stay  thy  flight ! 

And  live  in  peace  with  me  ; 
I'll  guard  thee  from  thy  haughty  queen, 

She  dares  not  venture  here  ; 
I  care  not  for  her  angry  mien, 

For  she  has  learned  to  fear 
The  gentle  fairies  of  the  lake, 

When  roused  by  proud  disdain  : 
Then  here  thy  home  in  future  make, 

Nor  seek  the  angry  main." 


The  fay  is  but  too  happy,  now, 
To  bend  the  humble  knee, 

And  vow  allegiance,  with  a  brow 
From  every  trouble  free. 


THE   WATER   FAY. 

Now,  o'er  the  sparkling  silver  sheet, 

She  sports  in  frolic  wild  ; 
The  breeze  comes  laughing  her  to  greet, 

Yet  breathes,  in  accents  mild  : 
"  Alas,  thy  lone,  deserted  well ! 

The  water  sighs  for  thee  ; 
I  hardly  blow  o'er  the  leafy  dell, 

Its  charms  are  gone  for  me. 
Yet  here  the  castle  frowns  above  ; 

And  see  !  the  youthful  knight 
Looks  out,  and  dreams  of  aught  but  love 

His  pleasure  is  the  fight ! 
O,  win  him  to  the  quiet  lake, 

By  many  a  ripple's  play  ! 
He  often  will  a  ramble  take 

To  watch  the  fading  day." 


A  silvery  shower  of  rippling  pearls 
The  fairy  throws  on  high, 


THE    WATER   FAY. 

Anon,  a  misty  wave  she  hurls 

Towards  the  evening  sky  ; 
The  moonbeams  softly  play  around 

The  gently  scattering  spray, 
While,  hear  that  wild  melodious  sound  ! 

The  love-song  of  the  fay  : 
"  0,  wander  to  the  pebbly  beach, 

Thou  gentle  cavalier ! 
And  let  my  loving  accents  reach 

Thy  kind,  attentive  ear  ; 
I'll  bring  thee  pearls  and  perfumed  flowers, 

The  water-lilies  rare 
I'll  gather  in  our  island  bowers, 

To  deck  thy  raven  hair." 
"  I  hear  the  whispering  of  the  breeze," 

The  warrior,  wondering,  says, 
"  How  sweet  it  murmurs  through  the  trees, 

Like  some  forgotten  lays. 
The  moon  is  bright,  my  skiff  I'll  take, 

And  row  a  pleasant  mile  ; 

100 


THE   WATER   FAY. 

I  have  not  crossed  yon  silvery  lake 

This  many  a  weary  while." 
He  leaves  the  shore,  and  guides  his  bark 

Towards  a  distant  beach  : 
Farewell,  thou  wanderer  of  the  dark, 

That  shore  thou'lt  never  reach  ! 
By  elfin  arms,  his  slender  skiff 

Is  dragged  beneath  the  wave  ; 
A  stone  upon  a  neighboring  cliff 

Kecords  his  watery  grave. 
From  earth  he's  gone,  but,  'neath  the  lake, 

In  long,  enchanted  sleep, 
The  fairies  all  their  play  forsake, 

A  guard  o'er  him  to  keep  ; 
The  fay  entwines  her  glistening  arms 

Around  his  slumbering  form, 
And  keeps  him,  by  her  magic  charms, 

From  tempest  and  from  storm. 


101 


THE    EXILE. 


O  mournful,  sighing,  stormy  wind,  blow  far  my  grief  from  me ! 

And  let  me  gentle  solace  find,  beside  the  moaning  sea  : 

In  mighty  chords,  the  ocean  swells  a  harmony  sublime, 

That  thrills  like  chirne  of  Sabbath  bells,  in  our  fair,  distant  clime ; 

In  plaintive  cadence  come  the  sounds,  as  though  the  village  spire 

Soared  heavenward  beyond  these  mounds,  that  gleam  in  sunset's  fire ! 

The  sea,  that  thunders  on  the  shore  it  lashes  with  its  spray, 
Still  bears  our  country's  navies,  o'er  the  waves  they  proudly  sway! — 
When  heroes  struck  for  Freedom's  right,  a  gallant  warrior  band, 
Then  tyranny  revealed  its  might,  and  drove  us  from  the  land  ! 
The  flag  we  honored  with  our  blood  salutes  the  breeze  to-day, 
As  when  we  bore  it  o'er  this  flood,  a  tyrant's  power  to  stay ! 


102 


THE    EXILE. 

'Mid  roar  of  battle's  answering  guns,  we  waved  that  flag  on  high 
Where  valor  bade  earth's  noblest  sons,  in  glory's  ranks,  to  die  ! 

0  Freedom!  spread  thy  wings,  again,  across  the  glorious  land 

1  hail,  from  o'er  the  sounding  main  that  sweeps  its  rocky  strand ! 

I  walk  o'erwhelmed  with  patriot  woe !  and  what  can  comfort  bring  ? 
In  vain,  through  joyous  throngs  I  go,  that  float  on  Pleasure's  wing : 
The  noble  land  I  proudly  claim  has  brighter  charms  divine 
Than  youth's  enchanting  dreams  of  fame  with  fairest  hopes  entwine. 
The  whisper  of  the  murmuring  brook  once  filled  my  soul  with  joy, 
When,  stretched  in  some  familiar  nook,  I  dreamed,  a  happy  boy ! 
But  now,  I  seek  a  grander  scene,  and  hail  the  rolling  sea ; 
Although,  alas !  it  sighs  between  my  native  land  and  me ! 


103 


OUE   CAPTAIN'S   ORDERS. 


Soldiers  ! — The  trumpet  sounds  your  orders : 
To  skirmish,  prompt,  each  man  prepare  ! 

Right  shoulder  shift ! — See  those  marauders, 
That  reconnoitre  everywhere  ! 


II. 


In  groups  of  four,  brave  comrades,  keep  united  ; 

Watch  well,  for  horsemen  hover  round  ! 
Pick  off  each  man,  till  foes  retreat  affrighted  ; 

If  on  they  charge,  stand,  stand  your  ground  ! 


104 


OUR  CAPTAIN'S  ORDERS. 


in. 


Now,  double  quick ;  apart  by  twenty  paces, 
March  on  and  gain  yon  vantage  height ! 

Then  halt  and  fire !     They  come  with  eager  faces 
But,  vanquished,  soon  will  take  to  flight. 


IV. 


They  gather  fast,  like  clouds  before  the  shower ; 

Assemble,  quick,  on  strong  reserve ! 
The  trumpet  sounds,  for  dangers  round  us  lower ; 

They  charge  !     Retreat !     Strain  every  nerve  ! 


v. 


The  ranks  part  wide ;  rush  in  and  take  your  stations ! 

On,  on  they  come  ;  now  fire  again  ! 
Huzza,  brave  boys  !     Aye,  give  them  powder  rations  ! 

They  break !     They  fly  !     We've  cleared  the  plain  ! 

105 


BUONAROTTI'S  DOME. 


How  light  the  imperious  arches  spring  along  the  mighty  nave, 

To  where  the  lamps  their  lustre  fling  above  St.  Peter's  grave ! 

Encrusted  marbles  lead  the  gaze  from  point  to  point  to  roam, 

Till  mute  we  stand,  in  new  amaze,  beneath  the  awful  dome : 

The  soul  that  dreamed  this  arching  grand,  to  rear  that  dome  on  high, 

Should  ne'er  have  sought  its  native  land,  but  soared  to  yonder  sky  !— 

Now  pace  the  aisles,  while  sunset  flings  its  fading,  mellow  light, 

In  scattering  gold-dust,  on  the  wings  of  doves  and  cherubs  bright ; 

Then  view  the  ceiling,  fretted  o'er  with  massy  weight  of  gold ; 

Or  trace  upon  the  marble  floor  the  record  there  enrolled, 

That  tells  the  stretch  of  kindred  piles,  all  dwindling  into  naught 

Compared  with  these  majestic  aisles, — grand  avenues  of  thought ! 

0  Buonarotti !  such  as  thou  were  born  to  show  the  world 

The  stamp  of  God  upon  our  brow ;  and  breathe  the  might,  that  hurled 

Yon  sun  and  planets  to  their  place,  and  reared  the  cloudy  dome, 

By  which  thou — Titan  of  our  race ! — didst  shape  thy  work  at  Rome. 

106 


MIRRORED   CLOUDS. 


Far  down  in  crystal  caverns  dwell  the  sprites  that  rule  the  river, 
But,  on  a  summer  day,  when  all  is  peaceful,  calm  and  still, 

I  trace  their  fairy  structures,  strange  and  weird,  misshapen  ever, 
Lying  far  beneath  the  shadows  of  the  trees  on  yonder  hill. 


II. 


Like  stalactites  drooping  downward  from  some  cavern  roof,  they  glimmer 
In  the  scarcely  noticed  ripple  of  the  calm,  transparent  stream ; 

Ever  changing  with  the  clouds,  the  elfin  edifices  shimmer 
Like  strange,  fantastic  castles  seen  in  some  mysterious  dream. 


MIRRORED   CLOUDS. 


III. 


Calmly  floats  the  crystal  river  o'er  the  phantom,  fairy  towers, 
They  vanish  if  we  venture  with  too  curious  eyes  to  gaze ; 

Looming  up  anon  they  glitter,  as  the  sun  plays  o'er  the  flowers, 
And  elfs  come  forth  to  frolic  in  the  golden,  misty  haze. 


IV. 


Dreamy  turrets,  could  we  fathom  to  your  magic  caves  of  wonder, 
What  treasures  would  we  not  espy  within  their  crystal  halls ! 

But  elfs  allow  the  world  to  see  but  clouds  reflected  under, 
And  watery  depths  allow  us  not  to  venture  to  your  walls. 


108 


THE    CORONATION   OF   THE   CZAR. 


MOSCOW,  SEPT.  7,  1856. 


The  Kremlin  towers,  like  Eastern  Kings,  arise, 
Where  holy  chapels  greet  the  pilgrim's  gaze ; 

As,  from  the  sacred  gate,  with  raptured  eyes, 
He  views  the  lofty  domes  in  wondrous  maze: 

Ivan's  proud  tower  rules  the  imperial  halls ; 

While  Michael's  shrine  the  ancient  czars  recalls ; 

For  many  an  early  emperor  lies  there  ; — 

Though  Peter's  City  guards  his  dust  with  care. 

109 


THE    CORONATION    OF   THE    CZAR. 
II. 

The  noble  court-yard,  where  the  staircase  ends, 

By  which  processions  rise  to  grand  saloons, 
Is  filled  with  troops ; — for  war  its  tribute  lends 

To  grace  the  Czar,  the  source  of  glory's  boons  ;- 
A  gay  assemblage  meets  in  colonnades, 
All  recent  reared  for  guests  of  honored  grades : 
To-day  the  Czar  assumes  his  father's  crown ; 
And  brightest  skies  of  peace  look  smiling  down. 

III. 

Colossus  of  the  Eastern  world  of  dreams, 
Majestic  Kussia  !  hail  thy  Czar  to-day ! 
While  countless  millions  praise  the  golden  beams 

Of  joyous  peace,  that  bless  this  proud  array : 
Like  Memnon,  seated  by  Egyptian  Nile, 
And  waked  to  music  by  the  sun-god's  smile, 
The  glowing  rays  from  happier  lands  than  thine 
Attune  thy  might  to  harmony  divine ! 

110 


THE   CORONATION   OF  THE   CZAR. 
IV. 

Between  the  serried  ranks,  a  crimson  sweep 

Of  avenues,  prepared  for  stately  show, 
Glistens  with  copes  and  uniforms,  as  deep 

As  when  parterres'  gay  blossoms  waving  blow ; 
The  clergy  gather  round  yon  chapel's  gate, 
With  incense,  banners  bright,  and  robes  of  state : 
From  Ivan's  reign,  the  Czars  are  ever  crowned 
Within  this  shrine,  that  gilded  saints  surround. 


V. 

A  pontiff  soon  descends  the  palace-stair, 

While  long-haired  priests  a  glittering  vessel  raise ; 
The  holy  water,  see !  he  scatters,  where, 

To  bless  the  Czar's  advance,  he  humbly  prays : 
His  vestments'  glow  attests  his  priestly  might ; 
While  soon  he  joins  that  group,  in  mitres  bright, 
Where  Persian  carpets  veil  the  crimson  floor, 
And  prelates,  robed  in  gold,  surround  the  door. 

Ill 


THE   CORONATION   OF  THE   CZAR. 

VI. 

There  Philarete,  the  aged  bishop,  stands, 

To  meet  the  Czar,  and  tender  him  the  crown  ; 

The  populace  would  rush  to  kiss  his  hands, 

Could  they  but  reach  where  guards  on  entrance  frown 

Fair  Moscow  owns  his  gentle  sway  with  pride ; 

The  Russian  church  reveres  in  him  a  guide ; 

He  now  awaits  the  widowed  Empress,  here, 

Who  mourned  so  late  beside  a  monarch's  bier. 


VII. 

'Mid  pealing  chimes,  a  bright  procession  comes, 

The  Empress  Mother,  canopied  in  state, 
With  diamonds  ablaze,  of  royal  sums, 

In  cloth  of  gold  and  crown  of  costly  weight : 
A  long  array  of  nobles  throngs  the  way, 
And  princesses  with  trains  of  colors  gay ; 
The  Czar's  young  heir  beside  the  Empress  goes, 
Where  tissue,  borne  on  rods  of  silver,  glows. 

112 


THE   CORONATION   OF   THE   CZAR. 
VIII. 

The  jewelled  cross,  that  Philarete  extends, 

Is  kissed  in  peace,  and  then  the  mitred  throng 
Escort  the  Empress,  who  her  throne  ascends 
Within  the  stately  chapel's  shrine  of  song : 
Anon,  the  lordly  prelates,  at  the  gate, 
In  silent  pause  the  Czar's  advance  await ; 
While  officers  remain  a  brilliant  frame 
Around  the  arms  the  sunlight  tips  with  flame. 


IX. 

What  scenes  of  horror  once  deformed  this  place, 

When  haughty  Bonaparte  his  legions  led 
To  seize  the  royal  shrine  of  Kussia's  race, — 

These  towers, — that  seemed  as  silent  as  the  dead ! 
Then,  patriot  fires  illumed  each  palace  lone, 
And  flames  rolled  round  the  Kremlin's  sacred  zone  ; 
Till  mighty  France,  in  terror,  fled  a  land 
That  hurled  new  woes  with  such  relentless  hand.— 

113 


THE    CORONATION   OF   THE    CZAR. 


A  roar  of  cannon,  with  the  clang  of  bells, 

Inform  the  world  the  Autocrat  draws  nigh, 
While,  louder  yet,  the  joyful  paean  swells 

As  though  to  reach  the  smiling,  distant  sky : 
Another  pageant  sweeps  adown  the  stair, 
Displaying  gems  that  Russians  only  wear ; 
The  courtiers  pass  in  pairs,  an  endless  train, 
To  grace,  in  state,  their  master's  opening  reign. 

XL 

The  ladies,  robed  in  emerald  velvet,  come, 
Embroidered  gay,  adorned  with  golden  moon 

And  floating  veil ;  while,  near  their  joyous  hum, 
Pass  princesses,  like  clouds  before  the  noon : 

A  lordly  train,  with  canopy  of  gold 

Upheld  by  generals,  comes,  its  wealth  untold  ; 

The  Czar,  in  uniform  of  state,  uncrowned  ; 

The  Empress,  robed  in  white  that  sweeps  the  ground. 

114 


THE    CORONATION   OF  THE    CZAR 
XII. 

Such  pageantry,  as  gleams  before  our  eyes, 

Shines  with,  a  splendor  scarcely  known  to  man, 
As  when  the  Northern  Lights  illume  the  skies, 

And,  streaming  to  the  zenith,  crown  their  span  : 
The  Czar  moves  on,  with  princes  at  his  side, 
While  nobles  throng  in  undistinguished  tide, 
Like  comet,  trailing  through  the  brilliant  night 
A  wondrous  train,  surpassing  starry  light. 

XIII. 

The  cross  is  kissed,  and  then  the  proud  array 
Of  prelate,  Czar  and  prince,  deserts  the  morn ; 

While  bells  peal  forth  to  tell  the  listening  day, 
The  Czar  in  state  the  gorgeous  crown  has  worn  : 

At  length,  the  Empress  Mother,  with  her  train, 

Resplendent  seeks  the  palace-stair  again ; 

The  new-crowned  pair  the  farther  gates  have  passed, 

To  march,  beyond  the  walls,  where  throngs  are  massed. 

115 


THE    CORONATION   OF   THE    CZAR. 
XIV. 

Like  some  mirage,  the  traveller,  on  the  plain 

Or  sandy  desert,  sees  majestic  rise, 
These  towers  and  domes  seem  works  of  Fancy's  reign ; 

The  bright  assemblage  waits  with  eager  eyes, — • 
As  when,  in  tropic  lands  of  balmy  clime, 
Where  waves  of  silver  roll  their  crests  sublime, 
And  royal-palms  droop  fronds  of  dreamy  grace, 
The  birds  salute  the  sun's  returning  face. 

XV. 

The  Czar,  in  grand  procession,  by  the  gate 

Near  yonder  church,  appears  upon  the  scene ; 
The  diamond  crown  he  wears,  of  massy  weight,— 

An  azure  blaze  of  flame, — exalts  his  mien  : 
He  looks  a  monarch  firm,  of  gentle  sway, 
Whose  crown  of  gems  eclipses  sunlight's  ray, 
Till,  orb  and  sceptre,  jewelled  robes  of  gold 
With  ermine  decked,  the  gaze  can  hardly  hold  ! 

116 


THE   CORONATION"  OF  THE   CZAR.. 
.       XVI. 

The  Empress  fair,  adorned  with  lesser  crown, — 

Like  rainbows  gleaming, — moves  in  stately  guise, 
A  golden  mantle  o'er  her  silken  gown, 

While  kindness  beams  within  her  lovely  eyes  : 
The  Czar  uncrowns  his  head,  then  goes  to  pray, 
Within  St.  Michael's  church,  for  grace  to-day  ; 
Returning,  soon  the  diamond  dome  he  wears, 
Which  has  no  power  to  soothe  a  monarch's  cares. 

XVII. 

Like  Fortunatus,  endless  wealth  is  thine, 
Imperial  Czar !     Like  river  on  its  way, 
That  pours  its  stream  'mid  hills  that  yield  the  vine, 

Refreshing  thirsty  fields  through  sunny  day, 
So  flows  thy  kindness  toward  the  suffering  slave, 
Till  serfs,  made  free,  shall  all  adore  its  wave. 
Nations  of  every  garb  and  tongue  appear, 
To  hail  their  king,  and  bless  the  favored  year ! 

117 


THE    CORONATION   OF   THE    CZAR. 
XVIII. 

The  royal  pageant  wends  its  golden  way, 

By  yonder  stair,  all  open  to  the  skies, 
To  wondrous  halls  ;  magnificent  display  ! 

There  diamonds  stud  the  doors, — a  matchless  prize, 
While  malachite,  in  rich  pilasters  reared, 
Delights  as  though  some  fairy -land  appeared ! 
The  Czar  attends  a  feast  with  nobles  proud, 
Where  custom's  sway  is  reverently  allowed. 

XIX. 

At  night,  all  Moscow  flames  with  joyous  lights, 
The  Kremlin  towers  are  dazzling  seas  of  fire, 
While  garden-trees,  as  in  "Arabian  Nights," 

Seem  decked  with  colored  gems,  in  radiant  pyre ; 
St.  Basil's  shrine,  like  fountain-jets  of  flame, 
Beams  fairer  than  when  Ivan  praised  its  fame, 
And  palaces,  along  the  river,  seem 
To  make  this  eve  too  bright  for  poet's  dream. 

118 


LOOKOUT  MOUNTAIN,   TENNESSEE. 


Look  out  o'er  yonder  valley  fair  where  flows  the  Tennessee, 

In  bends  unnumbered  sweeping  round  to  waters  ever  free ; 

There  Chattanooga  nestles  by  the  turbid,  rushing  stream, 

And  Missionary  Eidge  up-springs, — a  scene  for  patriot's  dream  ! 

The  mist  oft  drifts  where  charmed  we  stand,  and  view  a  cloudless  sky ; 

But  war  has  raged  amid  the  clouds  in  years  now  scarce  flown  by. 

Then  noble  Grant  his  armies  led  from  Chattanooga  town, 

And  sent  brave  Hooker  here  to  drive  the  fierce  insurgents  down ; 

For  rebels  held  these  very  heights,  those  few,  short  years  ago, 

When  Bragg  essayed  to  keep  our  arms  beyond  that  river's  flow. 

While  Sherman  stormed  yon  lofty  ridge,  bold  Hooker  led  his  men 

Among  the  clouds,  to  fight  the  foe  beside  his  mountain  den  : 

Then,  glory  fired  their  dauntless  hearts  for  Union's  sake  to  die, 

Or  wrest  from  out  the  jaws  of  death  the  prize  of  victory ! 

119 


LOOKOUT   MOUNTAIN,    TENNESSEE. 

Kebellion  fled  before  our  arms  ;  the  heights  were  nobly  won  ; 
And  from  the  clouds  the  stars  and  stripes  were  greeted  by  the  sun. 
The  gateway  to  the  South  then  ours  by  Grant  and  Sherman's  arms, 
Yon  valley  smiled  on  freedom  soon,  with  all  its  peerless  charms. 
Then  gaze  on  Lookout  Mountain  well,  where  shot  and  shell  have  played, 
And  bless  the  noble  hearts  that  won  the  heights,  all  undismayed  ! 


120 


THE   TAKING   OF  NEW   OKLEANS. 


Yon  stately  live-oaks'  verdant  guise, 
With  orange  groves,  where  southern  skies 
O'er  Mississippi's  floods  arise, 

Have  witnessed  war's  sublimity. 


II. 


Fort  Jackson  swept  the  river  wide, 
And  Fort  St.  Philip  ruled  the  tide, 
Forbidding  stars  and  stripes  to  ride 
The  glorious  Mississippi. 


121 


THE  TAKING  OF  NEW  ORLEANS. 


III. 


The  Federal  fleet  essayed  its  might, 
And  swift  the  sunbeams  turned  to  night 
With  smoke,  illumed  by  rockets  bright 
And  flash  of  many  a  battery. 


rv. 


While  fire-ships  came  flaming  down, 
Brave  Farragut,  with  dauntless  frown, 
Eesolved  to  seize  the  distant  town, 
Despite  the  cannon's  threatening  ! 


V. 


With  hearts  as  staunch  as  knights  of  old, 
The  sailor  warriors,  true  and  bold, 
Where  battle's  heaviest  thunders  rolled, 

Swept  through  the  shells'  wild  hurricane ! 


122 


THE  TAKING  OF  NEW  ORLEANS. 


VI. 


The  forts  were  silenced  one  by  one ; 
The  Crescent  City  soon  was  won ; 
At  length,  the  crash  of  booming  gun 
No  longer  thrilled  in  majesty. 

VII. 

But  now,  when  quiet  reigns  supreme, 
We  tell  the  story  like  a  dream, 
How  Farragut,  by  fort  and  stream, 
His  heroes  led  to  victory  ! 


123 


NEW   YORK. 


0  sovereign  city !  Commerce  reigns, 

With  sumptuous  array, 
Where  stately  splendor  oft  detains 
The  stranger,  near  the  Gothic  fanes 

Around  thy  noble  bay  ! 


II. 


Illustrious  sons  will  write  thy  name 

On  starry  flag  unfurled ; 
Till,  foremost  on  the  rolls  of  fame, 
America  shall  proudly  claim 

Her  triumph  o'er  the  world  !       i 


124 


